The Fading Generation

Last week we celebrated Veteran’s Day, but it is important that our thoughts remain with these dedicated solders throughout the year. MasonPR Account Coordinator Stephen Chavez is a man who believes in remembering our Vets each and every day. Enjoy! – Mario

On this Veteran’s Day my grandfather sits in a nursing home in San Antonio like so many other veterans his age. Even at the age of 85, he still has a very strong sense of pride and honor for serving in the military during World War II. His openness about talking about WWII and his contributions were very limited, even to his own daughter, my mother. It was not until my brother and I became teenagers, and I began to show interest in military history, that he started opening up to us about his service.

“Gramps”

My grandfather fought in the Pacific Theatre of WWII, after a short stint as a marksman, he was attached to an artillery battery. His unit, the 158th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) where he served on an artillery crew firing 105mm Howitzers in support of the regiment. This was a unique regiment, during a time of segregation the 158th nicknamed the “Bushmasters,” was one-third Latino and encompassed 22 Native American tribes. Their reputation was so well known that General MacArthur personally requested that the 158th be placed under his command.

A few months ago my grandfather told my family a story about his squad of men in the jungles of the Philippines. They were being attacked by a sniper and my grandfather shot the Japanese sniper from the tree. When he hit the ground the Japanese solider was still alive, my grandfather said, “you don’t want to know what we did to him.” Stories like these and the dozen more that my grandfather has will always be stuck in my mind forever. He has more strength and courage than anyone I know.

The WWII generation is quickly fading away. I am grateful that my grandfather told me his war stories and shared with me his medals, uniforms and pictures. He even passed on some real Japanese Samurai swords and rifles he collected during his time overseas. I am very lucky to have had my grandfather in life and encourage all those grandchildren to ask their grandparents about their service. Get them to tell you their experiences and get it on tape. The World War II generation, like all other generations that have served and are currently serving, are an asset to our nation and to families’ histories. Don’t let their stories die when they die. Share them with the world.

On this Veteran’s Day, remember all veterans serving or served, as we should every day. Don’t forget our fading generations, I won’t forget mine.

Stephen Chavez is an Account Coordinator for MasonPR. He specializes in media relations, non-profit assistance, and new business development. To contact Stephen email schavez@masonpr.com.